Snowflake and Microsoft are emerging as top AI stocks for long-term investors. The artificial intelligence (AI) market is experiencing rapid growth, but not all AI stocks are worth investing in. However, Snowflake and Microsoft stand out as companies that are profitable and experiencing revenue growth.
Snowflake, in particular, has been making a name for itself in the cloud computing market. Over the past three years, its revenue has increased from $592 million to $2 billion. The company’s data cloud platform enables businesses to work with their data more efficiently, and it is attracting growing interest from customers who want to leverage the power of AI technology.
One of the biggest challenges companies face when it comes to adopting AI is accessing quality data. Snowflake addresses this issue with its data marketplace, where customers can purchase data from other companies. This feature has gained popularity, with 28% of Snowflake’s customers now sharing data on the marketplace.
A key factor that makes Snowflake an attractive investment option is its positive free cash flow. The company has generated $630 million in free cash flow over the past four quarters, which indicates a healthy margin compared to its $2 billion in revenue. This gives Snowflake the financial flexibility to invest in innovative products that can strengthen its competitive position.
An example of Snowflake’s promising opportunities is its Document AI, which can provide answers to user questions using data from any document. This service has the potential to save significant time, considering that a large portion of the world’s data is stored in unstructured documents.
Furthermore, Snowflake is still in the early stages of scaling its business, which means there is considerable room for revenue growth. Its expanding margins are expected to boost earnings and free cash flow, with Wall Street analysts projecting a 60% annual growth rate for earnings in the coming years.
Microsoft, on the other hand, benefits from its competitive advantage rooted in the widespread familiarity with its software products like Office and Windows. The company’s software and cloud businesses are key drivers of high-margin revenue growth. Reflecting this, Microsoft has generated $63 billion in free cash flow over the past year.
Microsoft has recognized the importance of AI and considers it the foundation for all its software offerings. With its large customer base, the company is well-positioned to generate substantial revenue from subscriptions to new AI services. Microsoft’s recent introduction of Copilot, a generative AI assistant, is part of its strategy to transform Windows into an AI-first platform. The number of devices running Windows 11 has already doubled in the past year, indicating positive momentum.
Analysts predict that Microsoft will experience a 14% annual growth rate in earnings, consistent with its track record over the past decade. The company’s ability to adapt to technological shifts, such as the transition from a PC-centric world to cloud computing, bodes well for its future prospects.
While both Snowflake and Microsoft offer long-term growth potential, it’s important for investors to consider their individual investment strategies and risk tolerance. These companies demonstrate strong fundamentals and are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing AI market. However, investors should conduct thorough research and consider diversifying their portfolios to mitigate risks.
In conclusion, Snowflake and Microsoft are emerging as top AI stocks for long-term investors. With their proven profitability, revenue growth, and strategic focus on AI, both companies offer an opportunity for substantial returns over the next 20 years. However, investors should carefully evaluate their investment objectives and consider seeking professional advice to make informed decisions.